Charles and Christian's journey started in the most organic way possible: online dating. They met each other in July of 2021. Their first date was at Lands End in San Francisco and they enjoyed a misty hike together with views of the ocean. They immediately recognized they had some serious chemistry and ended up spending the whole day together. Since that day, they have been inseparable, which led to Charles proposing at the very same hiking trail.

Charles recognized early on within their relationship that he wanted to spend forever with Christian. To his benefit, he also recognized that Christian can tend to be quite clueless. Charles spent several stressful months carefully planning an entire day for what he told Christian would be a "birthday surprise," but ultimately was planning to propose at the same hiking spot they met at. The "birthday surprise" day began with brunch at Surisan near Fisherman's Warf, a quick visit to SFMOMA in the afternoon, then a hike at Lands End for sunset. Christian went through this day with absolutely no clue and was astonished at Charles proposing to him. The weather could not have been more perfect for the day, the pictures, and the evening which was spent with close friends and family to celebrate.